Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
OP, here is the truth. Even if a restaurant allows dogs, you will not make a lot of friends by bringing a dog to a restaurant in The Villages. And, restaurants that technically do not allow non-service dogs, will be reluctant to question you about the dog because the Federal ADA law is very limited about enforcing the "service" dog rules, and they are afraid of being sued. So, if you don't care about what people think, you can take the dog anywhere you want and, if someone asks, just say that your dog is a service animal, and it won't make any difference what their rules are.
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It does make a difference. It absolutely makes one. Even bonafide legitimate service animals have to abide by the standards of the establishment. Generally speaking, here they are:
"Four on the floor." No animals in carts, carriages, strollers.
6' or shorter non-retractable leash.
Must heel, and remain heeled or reclining but alert at the diner's side, and not blocking the aisles.
Must be quiet.
Owner must -not- allow anyone to pet the dog.
If the animal is not "on duty" then it doesn't belong in the building.
I had lunch at Ay Jalisco many months ago. A woman with an extra-long retractable leash had her little yipper special weshul woofie poochie with her, yipping and woofing around her ankles and through the short fence of the patio area. She wanted to come in and eat. The waitress came out and told her - service animals only. The woman said he's a service animal. The waitress said great - when she returns with her service animal on a shorter, non-retractable leash, and heels rather than jumps around the fence, and sits quietly by her side, then she and her dog will be welcome. Til then - "service animals only."
I gave the waitress an extra tip and thanked her for taking charge of the situation like a boss. Turns out it was a relative of the boss. Gotta love family businesses. They take the best care of their customers.